South Dakota ATV Bill of Sale

How ATV sales actually work in South Dakota

Title required

An ATV must be titled in South Dakota, even where it is not registered for highway use

Identification

A copy of the social security card and a copy of a valid driver licence for each applicant or owner

Proof of ownership

A current title or registration from the state of residence

Who signs

The record owner or owners, or an authorised agent with a Power of Attorney attached

Where it is processed

The local county treasurer

Fee schedule

Motorcycle and Off-Road Vehicle Fee Schedule

Non-residents

A non-resident off-road vehicle permit, valid one year, costs $50

Transferring an ATV in South Dakota, step by step

1. Collect the identification for every owner who will be named on the title, not only the person paying. South Dakota wants a social security card copy and a driver licence copy from each.
2. Get proof of ownership from the seller — a current title, or the registration from their state of residence.
3. Have the record owner sign the application, or attach a Power of Attorney if somebody is signing on their behalf.
4. File at the local county treasurer, where the Motorcycle and Off-Road Vehicle fee schedule applies.

What private buyers get wrong here

• Two people buying together means two sets of identification documents. Turning up with one is the common reason an application is sent back.
• A title is required even for a machine that will only ever be ridden off-highway, so "it never goes on the road" does not exempt the sale.
• A non-resident buying to ride here can take the $50 one-year permit instead, which is a different thing from titling the machine.

Verified 2026-09-25 against South Dakota DOR — Off-Road Vehicles and South Dakota DOR — All Vehicles: Title, Fees & Registration and South Dakota GFP — ATVs & Off-Highway Vehicles . Rules change — confirm before you sign.